mariner outboard drive problems

[knoppers]

I have a 1988 mariner 25hp on my pontoon, and it was running fine at wot, then it stopped and the motor rev'ed high like there were weeds in the prop, but there were no weeds in prop, seems as though it ran ok at slow speeds, but when I gave it some throttle, it wouldn't go and it again would rev high without any forward drive. I am thinking somthing must have stripped out that attaches the prop.

what is wrong?, and is it a easy fix? is it some nut that needs to be replaced? any help here would be great.

[boatfixer]

I bet the prop hub is spun, not a big deal. You can pull the prop off and use a permanant marker to mark the prop and the hub, run it and look to see if the marks still line up. If not, the hub is spun and option A is to have a new hub pressed in by a prop repair shop or option B, Just buy a new prop. Most cases I'd say replace the prop.

[knoppers]

thanks for the quick reply, yes I think I will just replace the prop, as this prop is in tough shape anyway. do you think I should still see if thats the problem first before buying a new prop?

[boatfixer]

I would. When you take it off, look at the back of it, it may be quite noticable if it is spun. The rubber may look "smeared", kinda hard to explain.